Richard Scudellari

Richard Scudellari
10/09/1956 - 09/23/2025
Richard Scudellari, 68, devoted husband, father, grandfather and accomplished attorney, passed away September 23, 2025, in Saratoga, California, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard ("Rich") was born on October 9, 1956, in Mineola, New York, to Richard and Alice Scudellari. He grew up in Hicksville and later Greenlawn, NY, the second of four spirited brothers, in a household where high energy, competition, and camaraderie were part of daily life. He attended Holy Family High School and excelled in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. His prowess on the gridiron drew the attention of colleges across the country, yet his strong sense of Faith, family and academics guided him to Boston College, where his parents and brothers could be in the stands.
At Boston College, Rich immediately distinguished himself both on and off the football field. He was known for his intelligence, geniality, leadership and relentless style of play which earned the respect of teammates and competitors alike. His first start was as a sophomore in the first-ever "Holy War" at Foxboro between Boston College and Notre Dame. He led the team in tackles for three straight years from 1975 to 1977 and served as captain during his senior season. He still holds the single-game tackle record with 32 tackles against Texas in 1977. In the classroom, Rich was also a standout, earning his bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1978 and closing his senior year as the first National Football Foundation Scholar in Boston College history. He was a Rhodes Scholar Candidate, an Academic All-American, and was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1995.
In 1982, Rich graduated from Boston College Law School. Following graduation, Rich took a cross-country road trip that would change the course of his life. Through mutual friends, Rich landed in the kitchen of his future in-laws of Saratoga, California, where Rich met Carla Wall, the love of his life. What began as a spark quickly grew into a love story that extended for more than 40 years of marriage. The life they built together was filled with joy, humor, Faith, and deep devotion. Together they raised four children and delighted in the blessings of eight grandchildren, soon-to-be nine.
Rich practiced corporate and securities law for 40 years at some of the world's leading firms. Known for his keen intellect, exceptional negotiating skills, and genuine warmth, he excelled at guiding entrepreneurs through the challenges of raising capital, negotiating major transactions, and navigating the public markets. With a rare mix of talent and timing, his career soared during Silicon Valley's dot-com boom, shaping deals and relationships that defined an era. He closed out his distinguished career as Managing Partner of DLA Piper's Silicon Valley office, where colleagues and clients alike valued his rare ability to blend rigorous legal skill with practical, strategic insight.
Above all, Rich loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He lived for the moments at home-coaching sports, attending recitals, or dancing in the kitchen after dinner. His laughter filled every room, and his happiest times were those spent surrounded by his family.
Rich was preceded in death by his beloved parents and in-laws, Richard and Alice Scudellari, and Dr. John and Nancy Wall.
Rich is survived by his beloved wife, Carla; his children Loretta (Jon) Hicks of Burlingame, California; Richard Jr. (Mary) Scudellari of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Samuel (Alyssa) Scudellari of Nashville, Tennessee; and Nicholas (Kendra) Scudellari of Nolensville, Tennessee; his grandchildren Henry and Emma Hicks; Colette, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and John Richard Scudellari; Evelyn and Ivy Scudellari; and another grandchild expected in October; and his brothers Christopher (Gail) Scudellari, David (Ana) Scudellari, and Paul (Anna Marie) Scudellari. The Wall family-Joseph (Susan) Wall, Mary Ann (Geoffrey) Lamb, Loretta (James) Stephenson, and Dr. William (Kristine) Wall-became a cherished second family to Rich, embracing him as their own and surrounding him with care and love in his final days alongside Rich's wife, children and brothers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/).
Rich Scudellari's life was defined by Faith, family, a little bit of football and a whole lot of pushups. His absence will be deeply felt, but Rich's love and unwavering goodness remain an enduring gift to all who knew him.